Chapter 17
A/N: As usual, this chapter was written using a narrative summary provided by AM83220. If you like my work, consider taking a look at his, or simply thanking him in a review for this story.
Simon and Patterson ended up staying up very late indeed, forgetting all about going to bed as Patterson explained one thing after another about dating, then drilled Simon on subject after subject, detail after detail. Simon wanted to learn so much so badly, and Patterson was set on making sure he didn't leave for his first date unprepared, so Simon just stayed put and eventually, at some point neither of them remembered for certain, they both passed out.
It was well after sunrise when they both woke up, though luckily for them it was Saturday, and so there was no morning formation to worry about. Simon was pleased to notice that, as he went to the latrine on this hallway, took a shower, shaved and dressed alongside Patterson, nobody seemed to think he was unusual or out of place. It was easier being up here than with the elementary school boys, the ones who were actually his own age, but who stared at him like he'd come from Mars.
After going over to the mess hall for breakfast, Simon and Patterson wandered back to the barracks, each of them still feeling tired after being up so late last night.
"I'm going to go take a nap," Patterson said as they stopped at Simon's floor. "You should, too. You want to have plenty of energy while you're with Arianna so you can do things just the way she likes."
"I don't know why she's that strict," Simon sighed.
"Just the role she wants to play. She's a girl who likes to see shirtless guys underneath the whole princess act, but if that's what she wants to do, then play along."
"Okay." Simon nodded, then yawned. "I think I'm gonna go back to my room and take that nap."
"You got a room to yourself, you said?"
"Yeah, my roommate moved to the next room over. He said he wanted me to have my own room. I think he's kind of sucking up to me, but, I'll take it."
"Smart thinking."
"I'll see you later, man," Simon told his friend. "Thanks a lot. I'll be fine when I go out with Arianna."
"When I get up I'll ask Steve some more about that, uh, store he said he'd found," Patterson added. "Might be worth going by."
"Yeah," Simon grinned. "It might be."
ΩΩΩΩΩ
School regulations said that you weren't supposed to sleep in your underwear, but Simon went ahead and dressed down anyway, figuring he could quickly throw on his PT uniform if needed, as it was lying on the floor next to his bed. He lay down on the pillow, closed his eyes, and was out within a minute.
Taking a nap for a little while was what Simon had intended; what he ended up doing was sleeping for the next several hours. His dreams were quite pleasant, primarily featuring him and Arianna by the inland pond on the island, far out in the Pacific, with unlimited time and few clothes. When he finally opened his eyes, he sighed and stretched. Okay, better check the time.
1:30.
Simon looked from his watch to the plug-in alarm clock on his desk; same thing. 1:30.
Oh, NO!
With a surge of fear-induced adrenaline, Simon rolled over and sprang to his feet, ran for his closet and grabbed his full dress grays, a white t-shirt, and a pair of white gloves. He dressed faster than he'd have ever imagined he could, cursing every time he fumbled or realized he'd done a button wrong. He checked and rechecked everything, quickly buffed up his shoes with a rag. Then he practically sprinted out of his room, down the hall, down the stairwell and out toward the Dean's house.
Only about halfway there did Simon think to slow down, and thankfully, given his extraordinary physical condition, the run so far hadn't been too hard. His uniform was still immaculately clean, and a good thing, too, because he knew Arianna wouldn't accept anything less.
ΩΩΩΩΩ
Arianna had been carefully preparing for the last several hours, anxious about her upcoming date and the importance of keeping Simon impressed, in awe of her beauty as well as her intellect.
First step had been keeping her bathroom door carefully locked as she first showed, then left it on to turn the room into a sauna just the way she liked, and went through her entire routine for lotion, fragrances, a little extra treatment for her hair, combing, and a complete, head-to-toe inspection before she so much as put anything on.
For that, the second stage was in her room, door to the hall closed and closet door open, eying herself in the body-length mirror on the inside of the door. Arianna was so nervous she fretted for some time over what bra and panties to wear well before she ever got to selecting a dress. That itself took forever. What was too daring, what was too conservative? How would she leave him breathless without being too showy or forward? And just as importantly, what would he like? How could she pick just what he'd want to see, just what would make him eager to continue asking for her favor, trying to be the prince she demanded?
Finally, Arianna settled on a silk turquoise dress that she thought made quite the nice compromise between boldness and conservatism. She thought it was one of her best, although Dad would probably not approve of how far the neckline went, the way it left her arms and shoulders bare. Good thing, then, that Arianna had made sure to verify that Dad would be in Philadelphia for some big meeting or another, and thus in no position to fuss about her choice of dress.
At the last minute, Arianna started to worry again and went back to look at the black and red dresses she'd almost picked instead, but finally took a breath and assured herself this would be fine. It was almost time for Simon to get here, and Mr. Travis knew to be waiting at the door. Sure enough, Arianna was just checking herself in the mirror yet again when she heard Mr. Travis downstairs at the front door, and Simon's sexy teenager's voice. Both were cordial and polite, nothing less than gentlemanly.
Timing her arrival just right was absolutely necessary; Arianna made her way down the hall, took a breath, slowly let it out, and strode into view at the top of the stairs. Her heart stopped for a moment as she got her first glimpse of Simon in his dress grays, looking for all the world like the prince she had always been daydreaming about. From the way his eyes widened as he looked up, Arianna knew her choice of dress had the desired effect after all.
"Arianna," Simon greeted her, bowing from the waist. "You look especially beautiful this afternoon."
"You look very handsome, Simon," Arianna returned, descending the stairs elegantly, praying not to miss a step and screw this up. Her entrance had to be perfect, perfect. And as she reached the last few steps, it was; Arianna gently offered her hand to Simon, who took it in both of his.
"Mr. Travis is ready to bring the car around," Simon offered.
"Yes," Arianna agreed. "Would you, Mr. Travis?"
"Certainly, Miss Arianna."
After the fifty-five-year-old butler and chauffeur headed out the back door, Simon cleared his throat, started to say something, but changed his mind. Arianna looked at him, trying to gauge his mood; he was nervous, which made two of them, but he was also captivated by her looks, which pleased her greatly.
Arianna tried to focus on that and not on how scared she was of looking foolish or awkward in front of the most stunning hunk she'd ever seen at this school. Because as important as she was, Simon could surely find other prospects if he really wanted to. And he would if she didn't strike the right balance with him… so what to do?
"I'm glad you were here right on time," Arianna told him, figuring that would be a start. It was okay, she figured, to let him know she wanted him around. Sort of. Some disdain was good; a lot of it would just discourage him or something. Probably.
"Yeah," Simon laughed, "me, too."
"I hope you don't spend too much time with those pigs in the barracks," Arianna said haughtily. "Too many of them want to be Jack Merridew."
"They talk pretty crudely about girls," Simon admitted.
"I'm sure they talk about me," Arianna commented disdainfully.
"All the time," Simon replied.
"Oh, really?" Arianna asked. "Well, I'm sure you won't mind telling me what you hear."
Simon turned as red as a rose, and Arianna barely kept from laughing uproariously as he tried to come up with an answer. "Uh- well, that is- uh- well, you- uh, they- what- um-"
"Don't they find me beautiful?" Arianna demanded, enjoying herself immensely.
"Yes," Simon blurted. "But what they say-"
"Yes, what do they say?"
"Uh-"
"Tell me," Arianna pressed him.
"Underwear," Simon managed.
"Yes?"
"They- uh, well, they say that you- in your underwear- you look great. Or you would."
"Like they'll ever know," Arianna said, giving an arrogant toss of her head. "I forbid you to ever speak of any woman like that."
"Yes, Arianna."
"Do I make you nervous, Simon?" Arianna asked.
"Yes."
"Why is that?" Arianna inquired, suppressing a smile.
"Well, you're- a big deal." Simon hesitated, then went on, "I just want you to have a good time today."
Arianna hesitated, wondering how much she should let on. She shrugged. "It depends on you, doesn't it? You're not planning on turning into Jack Merridew all of a sudden, are you, Simon?"
"No," Simon answered, shaking his head. "I don't wanna be anything like him."
"Good," Arianna said with a smile. "You're off to a good start, Simon."
ΩΩΩΩΩ
Simon stepped out the front door after Arianna's his eyes momentarily flicking below her waist. He wanted her, and her haughty, hard-to-get act just made her even more fun to be around. Simon had a goal now, a mission: to prove himself worthy of Arianna, whatever he had to do.
"There's Mr. Travis now," Arianna remarked, nodding to the massive, chrome-laden, gleaming monument of a car that was gliding up to the curb in front of the house. Simon recognized the imposing build of it, the elegant lines, the distinctive, shining grill and the famous hood ornament and realized he was looking at a Rolls-Royce. Small surprise that Arianna got to ride in one whenever she liked.
"Shall we, Miss Lovejoy?" Simon asked, offering her both his arm and a roguish smile.
"I told you," Arianna started to fuss, "you don't have to call me th-" She halted, seeing his expression. "Oh, trying to be funny, Simon?" she asked, feigning annoyance.
"Not just trying, Miss Arianna. See, my buddy Steve, he's always forgetting about things, and when you remind him, he says, 'Oh, was that today?' It goes on, he never remembers, I always have to remind him. So, I think it oughta go on his tombstone when he dies: 'Oh, was that today?'"
"Hah!" Arianna said, emitting a startled squeak of laughter. She clapped both hands over her mouth and turned away, making little giggles now and then.
"Always liked that one," Simon remarked, feeling a little pleased with himself.
"Slap yourself," Arianna said. She giggled again. "Um- heheh- you don't- ha! You can't make a princess lose her, uh, composure like that."
Simon promptly smacked himself across the left cheek.
"Good," Arianna said. She started laughing again. "You- you're not gonna get me to- ha ha ha- it's not even that funny!"
"If we may," Simon said, offering her his arm again.
"Yes, let's go," Arianna giggled. As they walked to the car, Mr. Travis got out and opened the rear left door for them. "Mr. Travis, Simon thinks he's gonna make me laugh," Arianna said in greeting. "He's got no chance and I told him so."
"Yes, of course, Miss Arianna," Mr. Travis replied. "I saw how devoid of humor his recent joke was."
"No, sir, not funny at all," Simon confirmed. "In fact she told me to slap myself. Which I did. I just do what she says to do."
"An excellent strategy, sir," Mr. Travis agreed.
"Slap yourself again, Simon," Arianna said.
Simon did so, making a nice resounding smack with his gloved left hand. Arianna giggled delightedly. "Oh, he's just hunk- funny- not- not funny, Mr. Travis!" Arianna stammered blushing at her mistake. She got in, sliding across to the right side. "Simon, I may even allow you to talk to me tomorrow."
"Yes, my lady," Simon agreed, getting in and taking his seat. Mr. Simon closed the door and Simon instantly noticed how well-insulated this car was from the sounds of the outside world. There was nothing save for the quiet, almost inaudible hum of the motor as it idled, and the ticking of a clock on the dashboard.
"The King of Prussia Mall, Mr. Travis," Arianna announced, as her chauffeur took his seat behind the wheel.
"Certainly, Miss Arianna."
Simon, even with his increased weight and bulk, was masterfully supported by the Rolls' rear bench seat. Its cushions and leather had been made to last, crafted by artists for whom cost was no object; only the quality of the product mattered. It was like sitting on a cloud in Heaven. Simon had never imagined any seating could be so soft, so luxurious, and yet so supportive. It was a car completely devoted to transporting its occupants in the best of comfort, sophistication, and style, and Simon couldn't think of anything Arianna deserved more.
As Mr. Travis got the car moving, Arianna and Simon cast nervous, hesitant glances at each other. Finally, Arianna cleared her throat impatiently and dropped her left hand in the middle of the seat, looking out the window.
"Uh," Simon began uncertainly.
"Hm-hmm," Arianna went again. She flipped her left hand up and dropped it on the seat again.
"Oh," Simon said. He reached for her hand, nervously went to take it, and felt his face heat up as he gently enclosed her hand in his. She didn't look at him, but she gave him a slight squeeze in response. Simon tried to come up with something clever to say once again, but his chest had tightened up. It was virtually impossible to breathe, and entirely impossible to speak.
Still, sitting here in this fine car, holding hands with the only girl he'd ever adored as much as Jennifer, Simon figured things were all right. It was hard to believe he'd actually made it this far. He just hoped the dream could go on a while longer.
ΩΩΩΩΩ
Arianna did her best to stay aloof and disinterested as they walked into the mall together, having already paid Mr. Travis a little bonus to take a drive and stay out of her business, and be back right on time after dinner was over. She'd have a couple hours with Simon and was determined to continue this the way she'd started. Interested, maybe, but not smitten. Intrigued, but distant. Never, ever amused. And so on.
Unfortunately, once he managed to stop walking like he was made entirely of wood, Simon's witty manners came back to him. His fantastic suntan and the magnificent physique his uniform concealed both spoke of an eventful life on the island, and after Simon told a few more of his funny jokes, Arianna's curiosity got the better of her.
Simon talked about the island easily enough, explaining how he'd simply had so little to do that becoming a fitness expert had just been a way to pass the time. He talked of his efforts to help organize the boys around him, but halted and had difficulty continuing when he started mentioning certain names. He switched back to other sides of the story, telling of risks taken and adventures found, but Arianna noted how he avoided certain topics, the names of certain boys.
Arianna was around the general run of cadets often enough to know that things on the island had gone badly for a while. A storm had hit, something like that, and a lot of boys had never been found afterwards. Simon was talked of as a leader among the survivors, and the smallest cadets who had been there adored him. Arianna liked it that she was dealing with a hero, the romantically modest leader of the survivors on the island. It was moving to see how he clearly still regretted the loss of the boys who hadn't made it.
I wonder if Jack got any better, Arianna wondered. He was fun sometimes. Annoying and dumb and arrogant but sometimes fun, too. Maybe he learned something from Simon before the end.
Even if he had, a little voice in her mind answered, Jack would never have looked this great in his underwear.
I haven't seen him in his underwear.
Yet!
Yet?!
Yes. Of course. What were you getting so excited about seeing him without a shirt for? So you could see him covered up next?
Oh, he's just chiseled… and suntanned… and great.
Now, we're talking.
"Arianna?" Simon asked politely.
"Uh?" Arianna responded, looking at him in confusion.
"I said, the theater's right here. I got us the tickets."
"Oh, um, good," Arianna replied, trying not to look to guilty. Well, it wasn't like he could tell what she'd been thinking. But it wasn't going to do any good if he somehow did!
"Is there anything you'd like me to get before we go in?" Simon asked.
"No, that's all right," Arianna said. "I'll let you know if I want something."
"Of course," Simon smiled, giving her a slight bow. "At your service, my lady."
ΩΩΩΩΩ
The movie Simon had chosen was Cadillac Man, starring Robin Williams as the second-rate used car salesman who found his heroic streak during a hostage crisis right in his showroom. He managed to keep everyone safe, developed a rapport with the gunman, and ultimately fought to get the confused, angry young man out of the situation alive as things got rougher still.
It was surprisingly enjoyable, and suspenseful enough that Arianna reached for Simon a few times, looking for reassurance. He noticed after a bit, and they both went about reaching for the other's hand like it was a burning hot stove again. Holding Simon's strong yet gentle hand during the toughest parts of the movie calmed Arianna enough that she didn't regret it one bit, though.
During their dinner, which Simon had somehow arranged at one of the best and most exclusive restaurants in the mall, Simon was polite, respectful, funny at times, and did his best to engage Arianna in conversation without making her feel pressured or hassled. The mystery and heroism of his life on the island continued to intrigue her, as did her secret mission to act like she wasn't the least bit intrigued by Simon.
It was fun being around him, and gradually, Arianna let herself ask more and more questions as well as answering some of his. He was fun to talk to, extremely pleasant to look at, and the task of keeping him sufficiently attracted and intrigued was nerve-wracking. Or she thought it was, anyway. All Arianna knew for certain was that now that she had Simon looking at her, she didn't want him to ever look anywhere else again.
ΩΩΩΩΩ
Steve may have agreed to start acting and thinking more independently (ironically, due to Simon telling him to), but he still admired Simon and looked to him for direction and leadership. Learning to act a little more on his own didn't mean he couldn't still be ready to do whatever Simon said to do.
Problem was, Simon was nowhere to be found on Saturday when Steve started looking for him. He wandered all over the place, hoping Simon would turn up, or that he'd find somebody who had seen him. Finally, he found Patterson at the gym and the two spent over an hour pumping iron, talking on and off about Simon's first date with Arianna Lovejoy.
Thinking and talking about Arianna and Simon's chances with her got Steve thinking about girls, which was by far his favorite topic since the island. The urges he got just to look at them, then to do way more than look, were irresistible. When they wandered over to the pool to cool off, Steve and Patterson just lounged by the poolside, catching mixed looks of awe and envy as other cadets glanced at their extraordinary physiques.
"Bro," Steve said after a while, "I hope Simon gets some with Arianna. He deserves it."
"They're on their first date, man."
"Yeah, but if she's gonna let anybody fuck her, it'll be Simon," Steve said confidently. "He's all romantic, and he's in awesome shape, and she's gotta know he'll blow her away if she lets him."
"Just gotta see how the first date goes," Patterson replied.
"God, I need to fuck something," Steve sighed, stretching his arms. "I can't keep talking about somebody like Arianna. I can't stand this shit. I hope Simon gets some fuckin' pussy but even if he does, what's it do for me? Or you?"
"Not much," Patterson admitted. "Actually, nothing."
"Exactly!"
"I haven't gotten any since we got here," Patterson said, sounding increasingly frustrated. "I was with a girl almost every day at home."
"It was the only way I could stop from going insane," Steve went on. "I was fucking so much my nuts hurt day after day, but if I hadn't- dude, if I hadn't, I probably would've fucked my Dad up instead, because he was getting on my nerves. And here I am, stuck with nothing."
"We're supposed to do this," Patterson said. "And we're not doing it."
"Yeah, man. That's exactly what I mean. And we both know we have a way to fix that."
"Huh?"
"Dude!" Steve laughed, shrugging his well-muscled shoulders. "You know where we can go. And, gonna be honest, I can't wait. I'm gonna go tonight. Yeah. It's gotta be tonight."
"You're right," Patterson answered, nodding. "Okay. We'll go tonight."
"Don't worry about the money," Steve went on, lowering his voice. "I got plenty. My parents've just been showering me with it since I got back."
"That's good," Patterson said. "Because I need a room and one of those girls for a couple hours at least."
"Yeah. You and me both."
Steve smiled, feeling a thrill of excitement at the upcoming fun, at the relief he'd get once he was in the midst of it. Then he remembered Ralph, and looked at Patterson with a new idea in mind.
"We better get the plan straight with Simon, 'cause he's going with us, too."
"You can pay for all of us?" Patterson asked in astonishment.
"Yeah." Steve grinned. "I'm telling you, my allowance is fuckin' huge these days."
"I got something else that's fuckin' huge," Patterson said with a laugh.
"I got a hell of an upgrade from those berries," Steve whispered. "It's awesome, isn't it?"
"Yeah. Sure is. Except I go insane if I don't get laid every day."
"We'll fix that, man. We'll get over there and we'll all be okay after that. I know it."
ΩΩΩΩΩ
As the long, comfortable ride back to Bunker Hill drew to an end, Simon straightened up and gave Arianna's hand a slight squeeze, smiling at her when she looked at him. She simply looked back out the window, but Simon thought he saw her trying to hide a smile. His eyes flicked down to the open "V" on her chest, greedily devouring what the dress's opening let him see, then down to her hourglass waist, her slender, perfectly shaped thighs. Then he barely snapped his eyes away before she glanced at him again, another of her curious looks that she pretended not to do.
They had talked quite a lot, Simon thought, during the date at the mall. They were getting to know each other better, and the attraction seemed to be getting stronger as they went. Simon couldn't get enough of her. She was stunning, a beauty to rival Jennifer, maybe even surpass her, and her mind was just as wonderful.
Arianna set her standards high and didn't mind saying so, but Simon was more confident than ever that he could prove himself worthy of her. And when she became comfortable enough and wanted to try a certain something for the first time, Simon would be kind, gentle, caring, like he had been with Jennifer. He'd be wild and breathtaking once she could handle it.
It's a good thing I got those 'upgrades,' Simon thought absently. I was a little kid before. Now look at me. I'm a young man, and I know she likes how I look. That's good. I need to keep her interested. Better find more ways for her to see me running, swimming, anytime I can avoid wearing a shirt. Keep her interested, keep her staring. That's the thing. I think. Man, I better not mess this up with her. Arianna just gets better and better.
When the car stopped and they got out, Simon made sure to offer her his hand. He walked her to the door as Mr. Travis drove the car around back, then turned to her as they reached the front steps.
"I rather liked having you around today, Simon," Arianna said. "I might let you come by and see me again."
"I can run by tomorrow afternoon," Simon offered. "Shorts only."
Arianna blushed fiercely. "Uh- um- yes, well, I suppose- okay, that's fine. Yes, you may do that, Simon."
"Of course, my lady."
"You're trying to make me like you, Simon," Arianna said, narrowing her eyes at him. "And it's almost working."
"I only hope I can be worthy of my lady's time."
"Don't be too sweaty tomorrow, " Arianna told him. "You boys like it too much. You always like getting sweaty. It's so crude and uncultured."
"I'll be as cultured as I can be in a pair of running shorts," Simon assured her.
"That'll do," Arianna said, raising her chin. "You try your best at least." She offered her right hand.
"Yes, my lady," Simon said. He bowed and reverently kissed her hand, using some of the same technique he'd learned when he'd been with Katie, and then with Jennifer.
Arianna made a happy little noise that didn't fit at all with her aloof princess act, and she was blushing again when Simon looked up at her, but he pretended to have heard and seen nothing unusual.
"Two PM," Arianna blurted out. "Don't be late. No shirt. Okay?"
"Two PM, no shirt," Simon agreed. "It was an honor and a privilege to be your date today, Arianna."
"At least you're learning some manners, Simon," Arianna said, raising her chin. "Do be on time tomorrow."
"Of course."
Arianna turned and headed inside.
"Damn it," Simon muttered as soon as the door was closed. He adored her more than ever. All that time he'd hero-worshipped her, become attracted to her from afar, just like with Jennifer. He'd had Jennifer and it had been better than he'd even dreamed, though she'd left him when she remembered his young age. That couldn't happen again. Simon was in love for a second time. He had to be the one who finally got somewhere with Arianna Lovejoy, the one who proved himself worthy of being her boyfriend.
I can't just go back to my room and sit around, Simon decided immediately.
He headed back to his room, hung up his dress uniform, put on his PTs and headed right for the bathroom. Once he'd 'relieved' himself of maybe one-thousandth of the tension, pent-up stress, and sheer excitement he had, Simon proceeded to the gym, not even thinking about it at this point. What he launched himself into turned out to be the most intense workout of his life, hitting weight and rep counts he'd never done before.
The whole thing took the better part of two hours, and Simon was drenched in sweat by the time he decided he'd had enough. He headed for the showers on his floor in the barracks, finding them conveniently empty at this late time in the afternoon. Simon turned on each shower head, one by one, then directed them all towards the center of the room. He couldn't lie down and soak in a tub like he wanted to, as the spartan accommodations of Bunker Hill didn't offer anything like that.
But this wasn't bad, either. In fact, catching the gloriously warm, relaxing spray of water from so many directions at once was probably the finest shower Simon had ever had in his life.
"Hey, Simon!" Steve called cheerfully, poking his head into the shower area. "Woah, damn! That's- damn, it's steamed up like hell in here!"
"Just taking a break," Simon replied wearily. "Got back from my date and went to the gym for almost two hours."
"Damn."
"Yeah."
"How'd the date go?"
"Good. She likes me. I like her. Things are going fine."
"So, I got some great news," Steve went on. "Got a plan for some fun. Me and Patterson're going tonight." Steve grinned. "It's gonna be awesome, man. We get to have fun again! And I'm paying for everybody, so don't worry about that."
"Thanks," Simon sighed. "But I… I'm gonna stay here."
Steve's face fell. "What? Why? Don't you wanna fuck beautiful girls?"
"Yeah," Simon replied. "I can barely stand up, though. I can't go. I'm gonna be here for a while and then I'm going to sleep."
"But you need this! And- and I want you to go with us, you oughta have some fun."
"Not this time," Simon told him. "I'm so tired I couldn't get it up anyway. I'd just waste her time." He put his hands behind his head and stretched, feeling his core muscles relax a little. "Did you ask Ralph yet?"
"What? No! He'll kill me."
"Tell him your plan quick," Simon advised. "He'll probably be interested. Main thing is, get him to go. He needs it more than any of us do."
"Yeah, jeez, you don't have'ta tell me twice," Steve said. "He's so fucking mad all the time. Maybe this'll help him calm down some."
"Exactly." Simon closed his eyes, loving the soothing feel of the water. "Tell me all about it when you get back. You're about to get some serious action over there, man."
"I am?" Steve asked breathlessly. "Wow! I mean, I heard those girls were good. You really think so?"
"Just make sure she knows about your 'good spot'," Simon said with a slight laugh.
"Yeah, I should- hey, man, c'mon, that's my favorite, I know you got a thing like that!"
"I do," Simon admitted. "But I don't talk about it all the time."
"I just wanted to share," Steve insisted defensively. "Well, you really sure you don't wanna go with us?"
"I'm sure."
"Okay, well, offer's open. I'm making an open offer for you to go with us anytime we ever go. I'll always tell you when it'll be."
"Thanks, Steve."
"Anytime, man." Steve sketched out a casual salute and left. Simon, both appreciative of Steve's offer and grateful to be left alone again, returned to just enjoying his shower. He closed his eyes and remembered Jennifer for a while. But before long, the images changed, and he was with Arianna Lovejoy instead, enjoying himself with the most beautiful, most brilliant girl in the world.
ΩΩΩΩΩ
Once she was safely inside her bathroom, Arianna turned on the shower to get some steam going, took off her beautiful but terribly uncomfortable dress, and practically collapsed on the carpeted mat beside the bathtub.
"He's too much," Arianna sighed wearily. She laughed. "He's great."
Playing the 'aloof princess' role while also trying to keep him interested- no, not just that, get him more interested- was tough. It was even tougher when Arianna made blunders like she had at the end. Outright ordering him to go on his run tomorrow without a shirt? It wasn't even like that was really necessary. He normally did that anyway! Telling him that just let him know she wanted to see that, giving him knowledge he didn't have before. She needed him reasonably clueless. Attracted and eager to please, but unsure of Arianna's wants and motives, leaving him no choice but to wait and just do whatever she said. Arianna wanted that power. She figured it'd be fun.
Although, if I'm honest, I have no idea what I'm doing with this, Arianna thought, sighing again as her heartrate went down, her body relaxed a little more, and steam began to pleasantly fill the room. He's my age, basically, but he's gotta be way more experienced. I bet he's gone all the way with girls before. He must have. I'm sure of it.
Yeah? Sounds like fun to me.
No, no, I can't let him find out about- you know, me.
You should have some fun with him.
Not now!
Oh, so it's only a matter of when, huh?
I never said that.
So what did you have in mind, hmm? You wanna get a good look when he shows up tomorrow. And he will. He's always right on time.
What a prince.
A Hunky Prince.
Yeah.
Arianna smiled, sighing wistfully. She'd get up and actually take a shower eventually, but for now, she just needed to let off some tension. It was ironic that being around Simon was the cause of so much of it, because he was also a source of relief. Arianna relaxed her posture a little more and let one hand stray between her legs, thinking quite pleasantly of Simon without a shirt.
Oh, I gotta talk to him more, Arianna thought. Another date. Yeah. Gotta go out with him more. Then we'll invite him in sometime. Eventually. I think. Pretty sure he said he likes swimming. Or he probably does. Better go there and get a look at that. Imagine him with no shirt, but instead all that water's glistening on those stone-hard muscles…
You like him.
Hell yes, I do.
No disagreements here.
Arianna's hopes for Simon were better than ever before. Her first date with him had been scary, exciting, nerve-wracking, amazing. He was smart, funny, doing his utmost to be a proper gentleman, and confidence practically rolled off him. He believed in himself completely, but without the unpleasant, reckless arrogance of guys like Jack, the only type generally bold enough to actually talk to Arianna. Any others typically stuttered nervously until she got bored and left.
Simon, though- he was different. Nicer, way more handsome, smarter. Arianna knew she had to keep things in her hands, have The Plan proceed just as she wanted it to, but at least she'd found a boy actually worth dating at this school. She'd all but given up hope before Simon showed up.
ΩΩΩΩΩ
Steve and Patterson walked cautiously down the Battalion staff hallway to Ralph's door, careful not to so much as breathe too loudly. The top-ranked cadet at Bunker Hill, the young prodigy who'd risen to become the youngest cadet lieutenant colonel in the history of the school, was now a short-tempered tyrant who ruled by force and fear. He was still intelligent and an effective administrator, a zealous cadet with a sharp eye for detail, but woe was you if you got him mad.
"You sure we oughta do this?" Patterson asked.
"Yeah," Steve nodded firmly. "He needs it. And maybe he'll like us better once he cools off."
"Sure," Patterson said, thinking already of the beauties that awaited them at Desele's. He'd had some stunning ones, and so had Steve, so they were both looking forward to enjoying the young women at the brothel and seeing how they compared.
"So, you better talk first," Steve said. "Wait, actually, I should."
"You? He hates you now."
"Well, if I talk quick, I can explain that I'm sorry for disrespecting him and stuff. And I wanna make it up to him."
"Okay, but if he starts shouting I'm gonna take over."
"Sure, man."
Steve walked confidently up to Ralph's closed door and knocked a few times.
"This better be good," Ralph called from inside. A few moments later the door opened, and Ralph stood there glowering in his PT shorts, his hardened upper body glistening with sweat. He had clearly been working out, as the sweaty handprints on the tiled floor behind him showed. "You," Ralph hissed, his eyes narrowing. "You get the fuck out of here before I-"
"You wanna get laid tonight?" Steve whispered.
"What?" Ralph half-shouted, jerking his head irritably.
"I said," Steve continued, "I got a shitload of money I stashed away, and I'm going to go fuck some girls at Desele's tonight. Patterson's in. You want in?"
"You- huh?" Ralph asked, visibly confused now. That was progress, at least, a step down from angry-as-hell.
"Hey, listen, man," Steve went on at a normal volume, "I'm really sorry for being so disrespectful the other day. I just came by to apologize. Can we talk this out?"
Let's go fuck girls, Steve mouthed. Let's talk in your room.
"Yeah, okay," Ralph sighed, stepping back and opening the door wider.
"Thanks, man," Steve said with a smile.
Once the door was closed, Ralph casually reached out and picked Steve up with one hand. "Okay," Ralph said, "I dunno what you're talking about, but if I don't hear something I like fast, you're both gonna walk tours the rest of this year."
"Wanna get laid tonight?" Steve asked again.
"Huh? That again? Are you fucking with me?"
"He's not, man," Patterson assured him. "We know of this place around here, Desele's. They've got some beautiful girls there, really beautiful. Steve's loaded and he's buying for anyone who wants to go along."
"It's an exclusive club," Steve added confidently.
"What club?" Ralph demanded.
"The Whorefuckers," Steve told him.
Ralph gave a surprised grunt of laughter, then started chuckling despite his efforts to keep glaring. He let Steve down. "Okay," Ralph said. "When's this club of yours meet to go out there?"
"Tonight after Taps," Steve said. "We'll come back here and go right away. Patterson and I figured out just how to get outta this place and back."
"They'll know we're not 18," Ralph said.
"I got a fake ID from this summer," Steve said with a grin. "I'll explain how I'm paying and just bluff 'em." He grinned even more as he added, "Besides. The girls will think we're at least 18 once they really get a good look at us."
"I'm not going with Simon," Ralph declared, growing angry and suspicious again. "So if he put you up to this he can kiss my ass."
"Why have him do that when the girls can?" Steve asked impishly.
Ralph laughed again. "So what's the deal with him? Is he going or what?"
"He's staying here," Patterson explained. "He knows how much you need this, and he wanted to stay out of the way this time."
"He better stay outta my way."
"I talked to him," Patterson promised. "He understands. And Steve wants to make it up to you."
"I'd love to make it up to you," Steve agreed. "Feel like getting some pussy tonight, man? We can stay there for hours."
"Sounds all right," Ralph allowed. "I'll be here. You guys come by when it's time."
"Great," Steve said. "Trust me, you'll enjoy this."
"I better," Ralph warned.
"No worries. You'll see."
ΩΩΩΩΩ
They got out of the barracks quickly and quietly, shutting off the stairwell lights and practically flying down to the bottom. Excellent, quickly-adaptable vision in light or dark settings helped the three boys get to the lowest steps without any injuries. From there, after turning the lights back on so nobody watching the cameras would come investigate, the three made a swift beeline for the brick wall that lined the border of the campus, keeping low to the ground as they went.
It would have been a near-impossible job before, but with their supremely-enhanced strength and endurance, plus increased height, the three were able to assist each other up and over. Steve boosted Patterson up, he turned and pulled Ralph up with him, and then they both reached for Steve and practically tossed him over to the other side.
After brushing some leaves, dirt and twigs off their identical makeshift civilian clothes- a pair of contraband jeans and a uniform-issue white t-shirt each, the boys began heading toward Desele's, based on what each of them had managed to figure out about the area. After almost thirty minutes of moving through the woods, they came to a T-intersection on an isolated stretch of road with a two-story brick building, all of its windows covered on the inside by curtains.
"This is it," Steve breathed. "I know it."
"It better be," Ralph warned. "Listen, how're we getting in there?"
"I've got money."
"I mean fucking IDs or something, you idiot!"
"I'm just that smooth," Steve grinned. "C'mon. Watch me, boys, and learn."
With a confidence he didn't feel, Steve stood up and waltzed toward the front door of the place, reached for the handle, and just walked right in. The first floor was like a saloon parlor from some kind of Old West movie, except a group of beautiful young women were relaxing on a handful of large, elaborate sofas, wearing a variety of dresses with plunging necklines, leaving plenty for interested guys to see. Steve's breath caught in his throat as he got a look at the girls, and he almost forgot where he was.
"Hey, honey, your hearing okay?" a woman said to his left.
"Huh?" Steve said, then shook his head. He looked at the women behind the bar, who was dressed much more conservatively and regarding him with what was best described as a patient expression. He quickly put on his best smile. "Hey, yeah, I hear fine."
"Not the first time I spoke to you. You guys from some high school around here?"
"No, no way," Steve laughed, trying not to betray his nervousness. "My buddies and I go to PMI. It's-"
"I know about PMI," the woman interrupted. "We get lots of cadets here. Boys just like you. But sometimes kids from Bunker Hill try to sneak in."
"I just look pretty young," Steve assured her. "I'm actually almost twenty." He sighed. "Look, I'd love to stand around and talk about college and everything, but I'm here to get away from all that military stuff for once. How about I pay our tab up front and then we talk about my family birthdays or whatever?"
"Let's see," the woman told him. Steve produced the stack of bills, and she counted them.
"Go on and talk to the girls," she said finally. "If some friend of yours told you about us, he better have told you what the rules are."
"Yeah, yeah, we won't do anything wrong," Steve said confidently. "Just here for the fun. That's all we want."
"Okay, Big Muscles," the woman replied. "But if you forget how to play nice, you're not coming back, even if you bring twice this much next time."
"Hey, no problem. No worries at all."
Steve motioned to Patterson and Ralph, who followed him over to the waiting area, where the girls were talking amongst themselves, eying the newcomers with considerable interest. Steve's chest swelled a little and he thought proudly of the intense workouts he'd done every day ever since his body began to change and grow on the island. He was about to reap the rewards yet again, and he was extremely proud of himself for it.
"Hey," Steve called out.
"Hey."
"Hi."
"Hi, there."
"Hello."
"Hey, there."
Picking out a gorgeous brunette seated a few feet away from him, Steve smiled and offered his hand. "Hey, I'm Steve. Are you Mallory?"
"That's me," the young woman answered, looking him up and down. "One of your friends told you about me, huh?"
"Yeah," Steve grinned. "I thought we could talk. We've got a few hours."
Nearby, a redhead called Kelly was introducing herself to Patterson, and Ralph had already sat down and put his arm around an ebony-skinned girl and was chatting with her. Steve took a moment to wish his friends well, then returned to listening to Mallory.
"Hey," he finally said, "I think we better go upstairs. Find a little privacy. You know what I mean?"
"Yeah," Mallory agreed, smiling at him. "I do."
ΩΩΩΩΩ
Tracy was excited to be getting her first real hunk as a customer; she'd just started here a few weeks ago, and lanky, average-looking boys from the nearby military college had been her main visitors so far. When Ralph had come right over and introduced himself, Tracy had figured she was in for some fun.
What she didn't realize was just what kind.
The minute Ralph had kicked the door closed behind him, he was moving towards her, a hungry look in his eyes. He kissed her aggressively, almost forcefully, and practically tore off the dress she'd been wearing. Still, Tracy had played along, even as Ralph all but threw her on the bed, forced himself into her, and started.
After three times, barely with any pause in between, sweating heavily and gasping for air, Tracy said, "Ralph, that was amazing."
"Sure," he grunted.
"You said you liked it rough."
"Yeah?" Ralph breathed, turning his head to look at her.
"I bet all your girls just love you."
"Whatever," Ralph said, shrugging and flexing his magnificent shoulders.
Tracy sat up, letting him put one muscular arm possessively around her shoulders as she did so. "I was thinking, Ralph."
"So?"
"Well, next time, maybe you can let me take the l-"
Ralph rolled back onto her, grabbed her face in his hands, and kissed her roughly, fiercely. "No," he hissed. "You don't do shit. I do everything. My way. We do this my way."
"Okay," Tracy agreed. "Sure." Ralph calmed down if she immediately agreed to things, and since he was extremely good-looking and fun otherwise, Tracy figured it was fine to go along with it. Besides, he had paid for his kind of fun, so it was fair for him to get it.
"Get on all fours," Ralph ordered her.
"All right." Tracy did so. She paused, then said, "I have jelly if you want to-"
But Ralph shoved himself into her the normal way, making Tracy wince; Ralph was huge, and he took some getting used to. It didn't help that he was pretty rough with her, as obsessively dominant as he was.
"Shut up," Ralph ordered, thrusting faster. "Don't talk." He reached forward, grabbed her chest, then her hips, slamming his pelvis against her backside. "I'm in charge. Nobody else. Me."
ΩΩΩΩΩ
After one hour, Steve was wiped out. He lay back against the pillows, knees bent, covered in sweat, blond hair matted against his head. This was the best he'd felt in… he didn't know how long. He'd been barely surviving since he'd returned to school. Now, he could think clearly again. He was content, and as Mallory grinned at him, coming back from the small bathroom attached to their suite, Steve was reminded that she was, too.
"Hey, beautiful," Steve called to her, smiling and raising his eyebrows.
"Hey, handsome."
"I'm booking you next time," Steve promised. "I can't get enough of this."
She reached the edge of the bed, slender and magnificent, and Steve enjoyed the sight immensely as she started to crawl slowly towards him. He began to raise his powerful arms to embrace her again, but she lowered her head as she got past his ankles.
"Ooh," Steve gasped, "careful, it's- I'm a little sore! That's- tongue- my good spot!"
"I know," Mallory said, looking up at him. She stuck out her tongue, lowered her head, and licked him there again, taking a long, long time about it.
"Ohhh, that's good," Steve sighed. "Oh, man. Oh! Oh, man! Wow-ooh!"
"Shh," Mallory said. "We've got plenty of time left. Just enjoy it."
Steve did.
ΩΩΩΩΩ
Patterson and his girl of choice, the beautiful Danielle, were each coated in gleaming sweat after they'd spent over two hours going at it time and again. It took his powerful body a long time to even begin to get tired, and after so much deprivation, he needed to make up for a lot.
The whole thing was a trip to heaven, right from the start. Danielle was cooperative, flirtatious, exciting; she knew all kinds of positions and techniques, and the way she gave head was like nothing Patterson had experienced before. The better she made things, the more he wanted her, and the two of them had so much fun that it was hard to believe this had been paid for. She kept smiling like she would've gladly paid him.
Once they finally decided to rest, though, Patterson gently drew her to him, letting her lie her head on his buff, suntanned chest while he tried to just cool off and catch his breath. The feel of her hugging him was wonderful.
"Any girls in your life?" Danielle asked. "Besides me?"
Patterson laughed. "Yeah, a few. I mean- yeah."
"You got laid every day back home, didn't you? Over the summer?"
"Pretty much, yeah."
"Any of 'em as good as me?"
"Nope."
She laughed. "I knew it."
"It's a great way to pass the time," Patterson remarked.
"Oh, yeah, it is," she agreed. "God, you're incredible. You could have any girl you wanted, ever."
"Well… there's one I can't have," Patterson said reluctantly.
"What? How could she say no to you? Has she seen you?"
"She's really high-class," Patterson explained. "I'm not from that kind of, you know, that social circle."
"She'd really turn you down?" Danielle asked incredulously. "Seriously?"
"It's a social thing."
"This is a 'social thing'," Danielle retorted, giving his bulging left bicep a squeeze.
"It's not just that. She's kind of already with a guy I know."
"You'll get your chance, once she sees he's nothing like you."
"Well, that's the thing," Patterson went on. "He is. He's a lot like me." Gesturing at himself, Patterson said, "He looks pretty much like this. And he's smart and romantic. She likes him a lot. And I see why."
"So… she's kind of taken, then," Danielle realized. "Damn. Doesn't she know how you feel?"
"I doubt it," Patterson replied. "I've never really talked to her. She's so classy and sophisticated and beautiful. My friend's so lucky she likes him so much. I'm really happy for him."
"But you wish it could've been you."
"Yeah. I wish."
"Why don't you try talking to her? Maybe she likes you and you just didn't know."
"I can't, now," Patterson said. "I'd end up wanting her again, and I decided a while ago I wasn't gonna waste time wanting what I could never have. She's with him now. I'm happy for him, like I said. I hope it works out for them."
"That's so romantic," Danielle sighed. "You're a great guy."
Great, maybe, but not good enough for Arianna Lovejoy, Patterson thought. But he just smiled and said, "Yeah. I sure am."
ΩΩΩΩΩ
When it was time to get headed back, Steve picked up his clothes, reluctantly dressed, gave Mallory a goodnight kiss and left. He found Patterson and Ralph waiting for him downstairs, offered them both an elated grin, and headed out the door with them behind him.
"Ralph, be honest," Steve said as they started the walk back. "How was it?"
"Good."
"Did she like it?"
"Not at first. I got her used to it."
"You feel better?"
"It was fun."
"I mean, you feel more relaxed? Like that? Not pissed off at everybody still?"
"Don't fuckin' push it," Ralph warned. "I feel better. That's what you wanted to hear."
"Okay, that's great," Patterson said, clapping Ralph on the shoulder. "Listen, we'll let you know anytime we're going. Okay?"
"Yeah. Okay."
Ralph said little else on the trip back, and just headed for his room when they returned to the barracks. Steve noticed less tension in Ralph's voice, less anger in his eyes, and figured that was good enough for now.
Before they separated to head back to their rooms, Steve said, "Let's get Simon to come by your room tomorrow. I wanna tell him all about this."
"You've got about as much experience as he does by now," Patterson said with a slight laugh. "And you guys don't really need to keep going to me. You've had plenty of action."
"Well, maybe not, but, like it or not, we still like hanging out with you," Steve replied, flashing one of his charming grins.
"Oh, great," Patterson sighed. "Good. Well, I guess I can put up with you two for a while longer."
"I think Ralph's doing better now," Steve said. "We just need to figure out- you know, how to get him to understand Simon's cool and everything."
"We'll work on that. Can I go to bed now?"
"Yeah, man, it's all good, dude," Steve said. "You have my permission."
"So now you're the Chief, huh?"
"I'm the one who got us all what we need most," Steve said, lowering his voice. "That makes me fucking cool as hell, that's what it does. We're locked up in this military school and I helped us out."
"Simon said to think for yourself, not get a giant ego."
"Sorry," Steve said with a laugh. "This is me. This is what you get."
"Alright, alright. I'll see you, your ego, and Simon tomorrow. We'll talk and all that good stuff."
"Cool, man." Steve paused. "This feels good. I feel alive again. Don't you?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I do."
"G'night," Steve said, giving Patterson a little wave. He moved quickly and quietly down one floor, found his room, slipped inside and closed the door behind him.
Tired as he was, Steve still remembered to change into his PTs, returning his jeans to their hiding spot. When the blond sat down on his bed, he winced; his 'good spot' had been given so much attention tonight, he was almost in pain. He'd exhausted himself trying to make up for the seemingly-endless days of deprivation, but now, he just couldn't seem to keep from smiling. Tonight had done a lot of good, and the fact that more visits were possible was just amazing. Steve felt proud, confident that he'd done just what the situation needed.
Then he kicked off his shoes, closed his eyes, and was asleep moments after his head touched the pillow.
A/N: 5-24-2020.
I was reading "Dirty Game" by CocoSushi again, and it turns out I forgot a detail that CocoSushi outlined in that story; Arianna Lovejoy is mentioned to attend Maywood Prep, an all-girls' private school that is located "a few towns over" from the (canonically) unnamed military academy the boys in the 1990 film all attend. I'll try to work that into the story, at least mention it at some point.
This story is definitely not as conflict-driven as "SOTF-The Wave" was, since it doesn't have a vastly more dominant, ego-driven Jack and his followers in it. But even in just depicting the surviving boys dealing with the effects the island had on them and doing their best to get on with their lives, we can find an interesting story, no doubt. I'll be continuing this as soon as AM83220 sends me another one of his excellent narratives.
And speaking of AM83220, thank you, as always, for your support.
Reviews are welcome and appreciated.